The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Monday, has sworn in Justice Olukayode Ariwoola as Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
Ariwoola, who is the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court was sworn-in at around 3:00pm, hours after the resignation of the former CJN, Tanko Muhammad.
Born on August 22, 1958, Justice Ariwoola, who hails from Iseyin in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State was formerly a Justice of the Court of Appeal before being elevated to the Supreme Court bench in 2011.
Since the Buhari-led regime emerged in 2015, it has appointed three Chief Justices in both acting and substantive capacities.
In March 2017, then acting President Yemi Osinbajo nominated Justice Walter Onnoghen as CJN; to replace Justice Mahmud Mohammed.
In January 2019, however, he was suspended for alleged false asset declaration, giving way for Justice Tanko Muhammad, who suddenly resigned on Monday morning for an undisclosed health issue.
Justice Ariwoola will serve in acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate under President Buhari’s request.
The President also conferred on the outgoing CJN with the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
In attendance were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, other Justices of the Supreme Court, Director-General of the State Security Service, Yusuf Bichi, amongst others.
